Breaking the Mold – Automotive Collision Repair Student Chloe Kirschmann

Presque Isle – Chloe Kirschmann, a freshman in NMCC’s automotive collision repair program, enjoys the various trade skills the program entails. An agriculture class at Caribou Tech Center gave her some prior experience with sanding/bodywork and an interest in learning more. After a gap year, Chloe was drawn to NMCC based on the influence of a former teacher and the Tuition-Free program that allowed her to restart after some time away.
Chloe expressed that she is “Learning a lot about cars like the things you didn’t even realize happen while you drive a car.” Chloe says that in the automotive collision repair program, she’s had the chance to learn more about welding and electricity, and the role they play in collision repair. She enjoys working with something broken and making it look new again.
Being a female in the auto collision program has its strengths. According to Chloe, “Girls have a lot more attention to detail.” She adds that sometimes, especially with painting, taking extra time to prepare the area with tape saves you from having to do more work later.
After earning her degree at NMCC, Chloe plans to work in a local body shop to build her reputation. Later, she may take her skills to southern Maine and work in a shop there.
Chloe’s advice for females considering a career in this field is simple. “Everyone always has something they’re going to want to say,” she explains, “You just have to do it anyway.”